Pakistan v West Indies,1st ODI: Preview

The last time these 2 sides met in an ODI was not too long ago - in the World Cup quarter-finals where Pakistan thrashed the Windies. A lot of things have changed since then on both camps. Gayle, Pollard, Sarwan, Chanderpaul, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan are missing - some dropped, some rested - thus making it a battle of youngsters.

Pakistan: Pakistan may have lost their last ODI game to India but they are a side on the ascendancy. The rise of Pakistan from the Ashes has been visible - it started with a series win in New Zealand and became more prominent at the World Cup, where they defied all odds to reach the top 4. Having successfully come out of troubling times off the field, Pakistan are set to begin a new era as they kick start a Caribbean tour with a squad filled with young names. They stumbled in the T20 clash but would know that their chances are much better in the 50 over format.

Though young, the Pakistan line up has a settled outlook to it. Taufeeq Umar returns to the side and is likely to join Hafeez at the top of the order. The young and impressive Asad Shafiq, who caught everyone's eyes in the World Cup follows and will look to seal the number 3 slot. The middle order has recognizable faces in Misbah, Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi, while Muhammad Salman has been given a chance as a wicket keeper. There isn't much change in the bowling line up apart from the temporary absence of Gul. In Afridi, Ajmal and Hafeez, Pakistan have a balanced spin attack. Wahab Riaz will lead the pacers and is likely to be partnered by either Junaid Khan or Tanvir Ahmed.

West Indies: Nothing much has gone right for West Indies for a long time now. Loss after loss saw them slipping below Bangladesh in the ODI rankings last year. Though they made it to the World Cup quarter-finals, they proved to be easy whipping boys and no match to Pakistan. That meant that the Windies continue their ever-lasting search for resurgance. The consequences were severe - WICB were forced to make some strong decisions by going in with a new look squad for the T20 and the first 2 ODIs.The manner in which some seniors were treated may be questionable but one thing can not be doubted - the intent. The immediate result was good - they defeated Pakistan in the T20 game - but would know that a 50 over game is a completely different challenge.

Dwayne Bravo returns to international cricket after an injury forced him out of the World Cup, while Marlon Samuels is back after serving a two-year ban for his alleged involvement with illegal bookmakers. Lendl Simmons looked good at the top in the T20 match and is set to open with the in form Devon Smith. The Bravo brothers, Samuels and Kirk Edwards form the middle order of the batting, while skipper Sammy is likely to be a floater. The bowling looks strong on paper - with Roach and Rampaul forming a formidable pace attack. But the biggest promise for West Indies comes in the form of young and small leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, whose effect was visible in the T20 game where he picked up 4 wickets for just 17 runs. With a beautiful flight, a good arc and some turn, Bishoo promises a lot not just for West Indies, but for the art of leg spin as well.

Quotes:

"It is the first time in our history that we have lost in a semi-final or even before that stage, and going back home and being praised. I am really pleased the way the people started understanding cricket. We have brought some young cricketers on this tour, It's a rebuilding sort of phase." Waqar Younis.

"The ODIs will be a different kind of challenge. Pakistan are a good one-day team and are confident following their good showing at the World Cup in Asia." Darren Sammy